Taos County, New Mexico
Obituaries
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Odell, William Albert
William Albert Odell age 61 of Red River, NM.died in Red River, NM. April 8,1968. He is survived by his wife Laura; Sons Ed, Bob and John Odell; Sisters Mary Stroup, Mabel Strousse, Edith Matlock and Lois Mathison, Taos News May 2,1968 B 7. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Oldani, Danny Joe
September 13, 2006 Danny Joe Oldani, 61, of Taos, New Mexico, formerly of Herrin, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at his residence in Taos, New Mexico. Mr. Oldani was a Business Consultant for obtaining funding for Cancer Center's throughout the world. Danny traveled extensively throughout the world, to areas such as the Manila, Philippines, where he lived for awhile and to New Dehli, India., London, England and Italy. He served as the CEO for Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, and as the Administrator for the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He was of the catholic faith and attended OLMC St. Mary's Grade School and Herrin High School and Murray State University at Murray, KY He was born April 3, 1945 in Herrin, IL to Guido Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth (Cantrell) Oldani. Surviving are, three daughters, Stephanie Michelle Oldani of Carterville, IL, Leslie J. Oldani-Benner of New Bedford, MA, Kelly J. Sealy of Herrin, IL; five grandchildren, Patrick A. Oldani of Herrin, Amanda J. Smith of Herrin, Aaron J. Sealy of Herrin, Daniel Edward Benner of New Bedford, MA, Kathryn S. Benner of New Bedford, MA; brother, Michael Oldani of Iowa, nieces and nephew and an honorary grandchild, "Pretty", Stephanie's English Bulldog. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Olguin, Cleofes de
Cleofes de Olguin age 39 years, 6 months and 2 days of Conejos, Colo. died in Monte Vista, Colo. 12 Sept 1909 ant 7:00 AM. Survived by husband Manuel Olguin. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Olguin, Manuel Philip
Albuquerque Journal, May 24, 1998 Manuel Philip Olguin, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 1998, at home in Albuquerque. Mr. Olguin was born on August 23, 1914 in Albuquerque, where he lived most of his life. From the University of New Mexico, he received his B.A. in Math and Science (1939), and his M.A. in School Administration and Statistics (1954). He completed additional graduate studies under Naval Cognizance at Texas A&M, Treasure Island Naval, M.I.T., and Princeton University (specializing in Elementary Electricity and Radio Material, Ship to Shore Radar, Loran Studies, and Development and Propagation Theory). Mr. Olguin also took Doctoral Studies at Colorado State Teachers' College in Greeley, CO, where he majored in School Administration and Higher Learning. He devoted more than 40 years to New Mexico education. He was a high school instructor at Taos, Los Lunas, and Albuquerque public schools; and engineering recorder and aide for the Emergency War-Mapping Project at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service; spent four years in naval service during World War II where he resigned as Lieutenant (J.G.) Electronic Specialist; a college instructor at the University of Albuquerque (College of St. Joseph); high school principal at Bernalillo High School; a special agent for Business Men's Assurance; Superintendent of Schools, Bernalillo Board of Education; Researcher for the National Science Foundation Radiation Biology Institute, UNM; engineering researcher at the Atomic Energy Commission, Sandia Corporation; group leader for the National Education Association Overseas Teach Corps through the Agency for International Development (posts in the Dominican Republic as Associate Professor/Educational Specialist in Science, and San Salvador as Science and Curriculum Advisor); Head of the Math and Physical Science Department at Rio Grande High School; Assistant Director of Employee Services, as well as Director of Employee-Services for Albuquerque Public Schools; and before retiring in 1994, as Consultant for Retiree and Elderly Benefits for the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union. Mr. Olguin was a member of the New Mexico School Administrators Association, Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Public Schools Federal Credit Union, Phi Delta Kappa (education honorary), Kappa Mu Epsilon (mathematics honorary), Phi Kappa Phi (freshman honor roll), Governing Board of the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute, New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees, Albuquerque Association of Educational Retirees, and the American Legion. He was a model of sacrifice and caring and will be gratefully missed by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Angela (Lisha), retired principal of Raymond Gabaldon Elementary School in Los Lunas; children, Carol Olguin Ochoa and husband, William of Mexico City, Jane Olguin Hruska and husband, Lee of Annapolis, MD, John Olguin and wife, Linda of Rockville, MD, Lawrence Olguin and wife, Sheila of Richland, WA, Margaret Olguin Abbate and husband, James of Denver, CO, and Ann Olguin Weatherson and husband, James of Grapevine, TX; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his eldest Hita, Alicia Olguin Robinson. Rosary will be recited Monday, 7:00 p.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Place SE. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Private interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his sons, John and Larry Olguin; and sons-in-law, William Ochoa, Lee Hruska, James Abbate and James Weatherson. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.

Olguin, Mary Baca
Mary Baca Olguín, 86, of Taos passed away on November 07, 2006. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben Olguín, parents, Jose & Adela Baca, brothers, Leopoldo, Alfonso, Ruben and Alex. She is survived by her sisters and brother, Emma Baca Zamora (Estevan) of Albuquerque, Joe Baca of Santa Fe, and Erlinda Armijo of Albuquerque and many other relatives. Rosary was recited on November 9, 2006. Funeral mass was held on November 10, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Las Cruces Cemetery in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. www.riverafuneralhome.com

Olivas, Ana Maria Martinez de
Ana Maria Martinez de Olivas of Valdez, NM died 23 July 1906 at 5:30 PM. She died of Hidropesia (Dropsy-Edema). Children surviving her sons Guadalupe C. Olivas, Dosito Olivas Granddaughter who cared for her Teofila M. de Olivas, Delfina C. de Espinosa, Fidelia Olivas de Coca, Santos de Olivas y Benita Duran Olivas. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Olivas, Fabiola
Fabiola "Fabby" Olivas, 81, a resident of Albuquerque since 1953, died Monday, August 6, 2001. She is survived by her husband, Olivar"Jiggs" Olivas of Albuquerque; brothers, Felix Vargas and wife, Eduvigen, Ernest Vargas and wife, Corina, and Henry Vargas, all of Taos, NM and Robert Vargas of Moriarty; sister, Amy Crites and husband, Larry of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, Roberto M. Martinez of Taos; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, and one sister. Fabiola was a member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5310 Claremont NE. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5310 Claremont NE, with a reception immediately following at the church. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas NE, 87110, Attn: Carla Ramirez. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE. ABQJournal August 08, 2001

O'Malley, James E.
James E. O'Malley passed away peacefully at his home, Saturday, May 22, 1999. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Christine; daughter, Caryn; sons, Martin, John and Brian, all of Albuquerque; and son, Michael of Taos. Other family members include daughters-in-law, Linda, Karen and Michaela O'Malley of Albuquerque, Sarah Adams of Taos; and son-in-law, Ted Barre of Albuquerque. James was also blessed with seven loving grandchildren, Colin and Lieutenant Derek O'Malley, Kenneth O'Malley, Ryan and Sean Barre, and Shane and Erin O'Malley. Following 20 years of dedicated service, James retired as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army. He brought his family to Albuquerque in 1962 where he became coordinator of the"Executive Association of Greater Albuquerque", until his retirement in June of 1981. James and Christine loved traveling together, making several trips to Europe, South America, Hawaii and Canada. James was a devoted husband and family man with a deep Catholic faith and a longstanding member of John XXIII Catholic Parish. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.   ABQ Journal May 25, 1999

Olonia, Clarence Anthony
Clarence Anthony Olonia, age 58, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2009. He is survived by daughters, Malina Olonia and boyfriend Eric Romero, Rebecca Olonia Eilts and husband Matt Eilts; and son Joseph Olonia, fiance Sara Henson; and granddaughter Ava Olonia. He is also survived by sister Mercy Boyer and nieces Karen, Yvette, and Melissa. Clarence was born and lived most of his life in Taos, NM, but was most recently an Albuquerque resident. He enjoyed fishing and cooking, and was a skilled carpenter. Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. The family wishes to express appreciation to all who have offered their condolences. ABQ Journal November 22, 2009

Olonia, Francisquita T.
Francisquita T. Olonia age 74 of Ranchos de Taos, NM. died in Pueblo, Colorado Nov 16,1968. She is survived by her sons Mike, Flavio, Frank, Joe and Manuel Olonia. Daughters Mrs. Eligio Trujillo, Mrs.Abencio Trujillo and Mrs. Corine Copas; Sister Mrs. Estevan Medina; Brother Tranquilino Trujillo. Taos News Nov 28,1968 3. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Olonia, Virginia F.
Virginia F. Olonia, 92, died April 25, 2010. She is survived by her son, Joseph T. Olonia and wife Jane; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years Joe D. Olonia in 2007; and her daughter Virginia Mae Robison 1998. Mrs. Olonia was a home visiting Nurse, working in Taos County for several years and then Santa Fe after moving there in 1951 with her family. She and her husband later moved to Albuquerque in 2000. Nannie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A memorial service will be Saturday, May 8, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Virginia at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500 ABQ Journal May 02, 2010

Ortega, Alberto
Alberto Ortega age 78 of Pina, NM. died at his residence 19 Nov 1907. He had suffered for 6 months with Hidropesia (Dropsy-Edema) until his death. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Ortega, Corina
June 10, 2006 Corina Ortega, 91, a life long resident and faithful member of St. Anthony's Parish of Questa passed away on June 10, 2006 at ST. Vincent's Hospital in Santa Fe. Mrs. Ortega was a active member of the Carmelitas, Sacred Heart League, and the Peoples Eucharist League. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Albino and Andrellita Rael, her husband, Ruben Ortega, brothers Selimo, Honorio, J. Eli and Clarence Rael, two infant sons, and one infant daughter. She is survived by her children, Jane Gonzales (Victor), Betty Sanchez (Chris), Gabe Ortega all of Albuquerque, Elma Ortega, Loretta Ortega, Angela Chavez, Reyna Gonzales (Daniel) all of Questa, 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Nora Galvez (Eric), sisters-in-law, Cora and Adela Rael. Rosary was recited on Monday, June 12, 2006. Funeral mass was held on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Both services were held at St. Anthony Church in Questa. Interment was held at San Pedro Cemetery.

Ortega, Isabelita
Isabelita Ortega of Taos NM, wife of Doroteo Lucero and daughter of Estefana D. Ortega died Tuesday 21 June 1906. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Ortega, Oligario
Oligario Ortega, 92, of Amalia passed away on June 12, 2009. Mr. Ortega retired from Taos County as a heavy equipment operator and he was a WW II Army veteran who served in the European Theater. He was preceded in death by his wife Donelia Ortega. He is survived by his sons Donald and Ricky Ortega (Margie) both of Denver, daughters Miquela Griego (John) of Bernalillo, Reyecita Ortega, of Denver, Louise Archuleta (Joseph) of Colorado Springs and Dolores Lucero (Steve) of Amalia and two grandchildren that he raised Christie Gurule (Gerald) of San Luis, and Donna Ortega of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by brothers Fred Ortega and George Ortega (Cora Lee), sisters Alice Martinez (Telesfor), Evangeline Leyba, Lillian Torres, fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Evening service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 7 pm at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church in Amalia. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10 AM at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church with interment to follow with full military honors at the Amalia Cemetery.

Ortega, Tessie Rael
September 10, 2005 Tessie Rael Ortega, 82, a lifelong resident of Questa passed away peacefully in her home with her family on September 10, 2005. Mrs. Ortega attended Allison-James Presbyterian School and graduated from Menaul High School in 1942. She received her Associates Degree in Education at Highlands University and taught school for a brief time in the Questa Schools. Mrs. Ortega was also a Foster Grandmother for many years in the Questa Elementary Schools. Tessie was very active in the community her whole life and was Questa's First Lady from 1970-1982. The Village of Questa has chosen to honor her contributions to the community by flying the flags at half mast. Beside her family, she was most proud of her accomplishment of authoring a book in 2003 at the age of 80 titled "Another Time In This Place, La Vida, Culturia Y Historia de Questa". She was preceded in death by her husband Max Ortega, Sr., daughter Betty Ortega and infant daughter Rosemary Ortega, parents J.P. and Esther Rael and sister Maxine Martinez. She is survived by her children Esther Garcia (Eugene), Max Ortega (Monica), Bobby Ortega (Andie) all of Questa and Julie Lucero (Mark) of Albuquerque, grandchildren Myra Garcia of Denver, Kris Rodriguez (Rick) of Ft. Beale Air Force Base, CA, Lori Archuleta (Juan) of Albuquerque, Mark Ortega and, John Anthony Ortega of Questa, Robert Ortega, Jr., Dwayne Ortega and fiancé Feliz Tafoya, Cassandra Ortega all of Questa, Adrian and Lauren Lucero both of Albuquerque, Great-Grandchildren Caitlin Garcia of Denver, Megan and Marissa Archuleta of Albuquerque, Kelsey and Nick Rodriguez of Ft. Beale, CA and Mikaela Ortega of Questa. She is also survived by her brother John Rael (Duby), sister Elsie Piper (Ed) all of Albuquerque, brother-in-law Tom Ortega (Olivia Cortez) of Questa, close extended family members Ben, Elena, Sergio and Natalia Romero of Penasco as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, and many close friends. She will also be missed by her many close primos y primas, hijados y hijadas and by the many Foster grandchildren whom she nurtured as a Foster Grandmother. A Rosary was recited September 12, at St. Anthony's Church in Questa. The Funeral Mass was held on September 13, 2005 at St. Anthony's Church with interment at El Pueblito Cemetery in Questa.

Ortiz, Alfonso
ALFONSO ORTIZ, 57, professor of anthropology at U New Mexico, died January 28, 1997, at his home in Santa Fe, NM.  Born at San Juan Pueblo, NM, April 30, 1939, Ortiz was raised at the pueblo and graduated from high school in nearby Espanola. A National Merit Scholarship enabled him to complete a sociology BA at UNM (1961). He attended Arizona State U for a year, then earned his MA (1963) and PhD (1967) in anthropology at U Chicago. Ortiz taught at Pitzer College (1966-67) and Princeton U (1967-74) before returning to UNM as a full professor (1974).  Best known in anthropology for The Tewa World: Space, Time, Being, and Becoming in a Pueblo Society (1969) and his editing of New Perspectives on the Pueblos (1972) and the two Southwest volumes (9, 10) of the Handbook of North American Indians (1979, 1983), Ortiz was the author/editor of books and articles on American Indian education, federal policy, history, oral narratives, religion and worldview. He advised committees on minority concerns for the Social Science Research Council, Ford Foundation and AAA, and served as a board member for Cultural Survival, Inc, Peabody Museum, Newberry Library and National Museum of the American Indian. Active in contemporary American Indian affairs throughout his life, Ortiz rendered significant service on the National Advisory Council of the National Indian Youth Council and Association on American Indian Affairs, of which he was president (1973-88). He received numerous awards for his work, notably a John Simon Guggenheim fellowship (1975-76), fellowship at Stanford U's Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (1977-78), and the prestigious MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant (1982-87).  Alfonso Ortiz's presence at UNM was pervasive. Affable and articulate, armed with an unfailing sense of humor, he was a dedicated--and popular--teacher. He made friends easily, and all of his colleagues, at UNM as elsewhere, suspect that they will not see his likes again. He is survived by daughters Elena and Juliana, and son Nico. In accordance with his wishes, Alfonso Ortiz's body was cremated and distributed on one of the Sacred Mountains near his native Pueblo of San Juan. The Department of Anthropology, U New Mexico has set up a special fund in his honor to help Native American students studying anthropology. Donations may be sent to UNM Foundation/Alfonso Ortiz Memorial Fund, U of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131. (Marta Weigle and Keith Basso) 

Ortiz, Frances F.
Frances F. Ortiz, 66, passed away on August 10, 2002. She was born on December 15, 1935 in Taos, NM. She is preceded in death by her son, Louis Ortiz; and survived by her sons, Tito Ortiz, Dennis Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz and Floyd Ortiz; daughters, Isabel Ortiz and Yolanda Baldwin, longtime companion Dudley Gardner, brothers; Leo Gallegos of Loma Linda, CA and Johnny Gallegos; sisters, Patricia Allison and Mary Redner; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Frances will be deeply missed by her loving family. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Services are in the care of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222. ABQ Journal August 15, 2002

Ortiz, Joseph Edwin
Joseph "Joe" Edwin Ortiz, 62, of Albuquerque and formerly of Taos, was born in Embudo, NM on January 24, 1944 to E.B. & Ofelia Ortiz. Joe was the fourth son and the seventh of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces, Jane Ann Ortiz and Tammy Velasquez. He is survived by his two daughters, Jolene (Brandon) and Vanessa (Martin), his brothers, Orlando (Ruby), Art (Marilyn), Ted (Cecilia), and sisters, Sadie Knight, Lucille Olds (Wally), Margaret Werner (Bob), Anna Marie Velásquez and his special friends, Steve Sánchez and Tommy Velásquez, also know as his "bros". Joe was a Taos High School graduate of 1962 and later graduated from the University of New Mexico. He loved the outdoors and worked for the forest service for a while. He enjoyed camping, hiking, and cutting firewood with his buddies. Joe was quiet but had a unique sense of humor. He was well liked by everyone young and old. Joe worked at the family business, Granada Furniture with his sister, Anna Marie. He became manager when she moved to Albuquerque, then in the year 2000 he moved to Albuquerque also. He was a loving father to both Jolene and Vanessa and was extremely proud of them. He enjoyed seeing family at the Ortiz reunion in August of 2006. He was happy to have Jolene and Vanessa beside him. Joe was loved and will be greatly missed. Rosary was recited on October 29, 2006. Funeral mass was held on October 30, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. Interment was held at Sierra Vista Cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera- Hanlon Funeral Home. www.riverafuneralhome.com

Ortiz, Manuel
Manuel Ortiz age 2 months, Of Arroyo Seco, NM, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ortiz. died Jan 2,1968 at Eagles Nest, NM.Survivors are his Parents, Brother Movice Ortiz and Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Amalio Ortiz and Mrs. Melcor Duran. Taos News Jan 11,1968, 6. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Ortiz, Mike
Mike Ortiz age 20 From Taos, NM. died in a motor vehicle accident in Taos, NM. Last Friday night. Surviving him are his parents Mr. & Mrs. San Ortiz and a sister Concha Ortiz, Taos News Dec 26,1968 1. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Ortiz, Robert Louis
Robert Louis Ortiz, 64, of Taos Pueblo, died Sept. 17, 2003, at his home. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Damon; granddaughter, Alicia Weston; and parents, Joe and Julia Ortiz. He is survived by his children, Robert L. Ortiz, Blenda L. Ortiz and Melinda Y. Ortiz, all of Ignacio, Colo.; his sisters, Elizabeth Jiron of Taos, Marilyn Salazar of California, Rena Richards (Kean) of Ignacio, Colo.; brother, Joseph L. Ortiz (Margaret) of Taos; five grandchildren; and many other relatives. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Indian Baptist Church with burial to follow at Sierra Vista Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Robert's name may be made to 5491 NDCBU, Taos, N.M., 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. Journal North September 24, 2003

Ortiz, Santos
Santos Ortiz has been sentenced by Silver City, NM District Court Judge Frank W. Parker to death, for having killed Marcelo Galvan from Hachita Grant County NM, on the 8th day of Sept 1909. He admitted killing Galvan and said it was at the request of and as a favor to Isabel Renteria who was also found guilty. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Otero, Rudolph F.
The day was long, the burden I had borne seemed heavier than I could longer bear, and then it lifted-but I did not know some one had knelt in prayer. Had taken me to God that very hour, and asked the easing of the load, and He, in infinite compassion, had stooped down and taken it from me. Rudolph Fred Otero of Albuquerque passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2002. He was born on November 5, 1920 in San Rafael, Valencia County, NM to his parents, the late Amado L. Otero and Premia Mirabal Otero. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fannie S. Otero and by his children, Rosalie C. Otero, David L. Otero, his wife, Dorinda, all of Albuquerque and Margaret Ann Otero-Keiser of Rio Rancho. Survivors also include three brothers, Arthur L. Otero of San Francisco, CA; Amado E. Otero, his wife, Lala, of Albuquerque; and Dan L. Otero of Phoenix, AZ and three sisters, Evangeline Otero Murphy of Tucson, AZ; Margaret Otero Kunkel, her husband, Wayne, of Albuquerque and Ann Otero C De Baca, her husband, Leroy, of Albuquerque. Rudy is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Michael Arthur and Carlos J. Otero and Andrea Ellen Otero-Benoit all of Denver, CO; Jeffrey M. Naranjo of Española, Kevin J. Otero, Anna Christina Yurcic, Jeremy F. Keiser and Derrick L. Keiser all of Albuquerque. Rudy's close-knit family includes numerous nieces and nephews and his only surviving aunt, Viola McBride, as well as his loving Godchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Rudolph was predeceased by his eldest son, Rudy Otero, Jr. in 1994 and by his brother, Robert Charles Otero in 1996 as well as by his beloved parents-in-law, David and Teresina Struck of Taos, New Mexico. Rudy was a faithful member of Risen Savior Catholic Community where he loved and appreciated his many friends there and the very special Spanish choir at the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Rudy served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific and the Philippines Liberation Ribbons and the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his discharge from the service as a disabled veteran, he went to work with the New Mexico State Labor Dept. where he served for 38 years as a popular member of the management staff until his retirement. Among his hobbies were hunting and fishing, and local and state politics where he actively campaigned for his favorite candidates. Rudy was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as the State Commander and served three terms as Post 5610 Commander. He also held other offices during his lifetime and received the VFW National Distinguished Service Award three consecutive years. He attended veteran's conferences throughout the country, including 26 consecutive years to Washington, D. C. lobbying Congress for veterans' benefits. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the AMVETS organizations, devoting untiring efforts to help with job training, hospitalization, pension and assistance to families. Rudy was Chairman of Jobs for Veteran Chapter in Albuquerque. He was named All-American Commander in the VFW as well as NM Veteran of the Year by the State Legislature and received numerous other awards for his service. He also served on the Veterans' Service Commission under Governor Anaya. Rudy was also a prominent civic individual, serving on independent committees for Better Schools, chairman for such groups as March of Dimes, the Heart Fund, the hospital fund drive, and the Governor's Committee for the Employment of the Physically Handicapped. Rudy's lineage dates back to the Spanish Conquistadores through Territorial Governor Miguel Otero and the legendary Lt. Col. Manuel Chavez of Civil War fame. His father and grandfathers were prominent ranchers and legislators in New Mexico. Rudy was a wonderful husband and father and a generous man that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 and on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary scheduled for 7:00 p.m. both evenings at Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming NE at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2002 with interment to follow at 12 noon at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Sandia Funeral Care 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM (505) 821-0010 ABQ Journal December 12, 2002

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